Protex™ N95 molded-cup respirator from Shawmut Corporation

“Achieving high filtration is relatively easy; achieving a good seal in a mask that has high filtration is a challenge.” – James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut

WEST BRIDGEWATER, Mass. (PRWEB)
September 19, 2022

A recent comparison study of some of the most popular commercial N95 disposable respirators shows many of those N95s struggle to seal well against the wearer’s face and therefore may not protect as well as they claim. The study was conducted using the relatively new ASTM F3407-20 Respirator Fit Capability (RFC) Standard to evaluate respirator product designs on overall fit capabilities.

The study pointed out the dangers of wearing a disposable N95 respirator without ensuring that it fits and seals well around your face. 75% of the N95s tested did not meet the fit capability standard. As a result, they did not provide the 95% filtration protection they were designed for.

Global advanced materials manufacturer Shawmut Corporation recently presented the comparison study of popular commercial N95 filtering facepiece respirators at the 2022 International Society for Respiratory Protection Conference (ISRP2022). Held once every two years, the ISRP conference serves as a global forum for the exchange of knowledge related to the science, technology, regulation, development, and practice of respiratory protection.

The purpose of Shawmut’s comparison study was multi-fold, with an emphasis on assessing the ability of the ASTM F3407 Respirator Fit Capability (RFC) Standard to compare the fit capability performance of a range of several popular commercial NIOSH-approved disposable N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) of various designs – molded cup, flat-fold, trifold and duckbill. A focus was also placed on understanding how FFR design and construction factors may impact overall fit performance, as well as assessing the relative performance of other popular FFR designs in the market at the time of the study (such as KN95s) compared to N95 FFR designs.

“The ASTM RFC Standard will enable respirator manufacturers to develop better designed models that fit the worker population. Respirators passing the RFC Standard test method are expected to have better fitting characteristics for a wider range of face sizes,” said James Wyner, CEO of Shawmut. “Achieving high filtration is relatively easy; achieving a good seal in a mask that has high filtration is a challenge,” Wyner added. “That’s why evaluating how well a respirator fits a wide range of people, in accordance with the ASTM F3407 standard, is so valuable.”

Several years prior to the start of the pandemic, NIOSH identified that a standard was needed to evaluate the fit capability of an FFR prior to its inclusion in an OSHA-regulated workplace fit testing program, as that was not a part of its N95 regulatory process. NIOSH requested ASTM International develop such a standard. Working with NIOSH, ASTM developed the F3407 RFC Standard and published it in October of 2020. Per NIOSH, the purpose of the RFC standard is to increase the probability that available respirators fit a general worker population. NIOSH is currently reviewing how to incorporate the ASTM F3407 RFC Standard into its regulatory process. The RFC Standard is currently voluntary for respirator manufacturers.

Shawmut’s comparison study included 450 individual subject tests and 3,600 interior air samples of 18 popular and readily available disposable respirator market models using a 25-person test group. The respirator model lineup comprised 12 N95s, 5 KN95s and 1 KF94.The test group included 13 males and 12 females and selected in accordance with the NIOSH bivariate test panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. civilian workforce.

Overall, there were large differences between N95 designs tested in terms of fit capability and minimum levels of protection. 75% (9 of the 12) of the N95s tested did not meet the fit capability standard (which calls for a minimum fit capability of 50% of the 25 panelists), and fit performance varied dramatically across individual N95 models. The study found that there is a great deal of variability in the fit of different respirator models across the human test group. Some models performed consistently across subjects, while others performed inconsistently or poorly on most subjects.

Of the 12 N95 models tested, only 3 passed the RFC standard. Two others fell 1 panel subject short of passing. Six of the 12 tested did not even achieve a 25% passing score.

Fit variability may be an important metric for general consumer use with some respirators offering a more consistent fit across wearers than others. With regard to form factors, some styles seemed to be more robust than others, with cup designs performing better than duckbills and flat-folds. However, within each style there was still a great deal of variability in performance across subjects. The results suggest that fit variability is an important consideration for consumers who will be selecting an FFR. There appears to be an advantage to choosing a style that performs well on individual test subjects as opposed to one that fits poorly on everyone; however, there are no guarantees that a given style will perform consistently over time or across different individuals.

No KN95 mask passed a fit test on any individual in the comparison study panel. This indicates that KN95 masks do not perform well even with high-quality 95% filtration. Wyner added, “The idea that a properly vetted KN95 is any way comparable to an N95 is categorically wrong and dangerous, and KN95 masks do not deliver comparable safety performance. The KN95s tested may pose risks to the general public and should not be conflated with N95s.”

The Importance of Respirator Fit and Seal

Since their development in the 1970s, NIOSH-approved N95 filtering facepiece respirators have been at the forefront of respiratory protection. However, in recent years, there has been debate regarding the dynamic fit characteristics of these respirators and there appear to be large differences between N95 designs in terms of fit capability and minimum levels of protection.

Until recently, public health organizations have not had a tool to identify which NIOSH certified filtering facepiece respirators adequately protect workers in the workplace. Product development efforts have lagged, creating worker protection gaps, and users are hard pressed to know if an FFR will fit their face or protect them from harmful gases, vapors and/or particles while they are working. The ASTM F3407 standard represents a significant step forward in respiratory protection and will make it much easier to select appropriate respiratory protection based on face fit capabilities. It is expected that as knowledge of respirator fit increases among users, increased use will also lead to increased demand for better-designed respirators that fit and seal to the wearers specific face shape and size.

Ultimately, if a respirator does not fit you and seal properly, it cannot protect you, no matter how comfortable it is, what fancy features it has or how much marketing muscle is behind it. The ASTM F3407 Standard was found to be essential to understanding respirator fit performance and adoption of the standard is likely to produce improvements in respirator design effectiveness.

About Shawmut Corporation

Shawmut Corp. uses materials innovation to improve people’s lives, employing expertise in fabric formation, coating, and laminating to deliver high-performance materials and components to the Automotive, Health & Safety, Military & Protective, and Custom Laminating Solutions verticals. Shawmut applies its keen understanding of the unique challenges of materials for medical applications to its Protex line of personal protective equipment (PPE), including high-quality N95 respirator masks and non-surgical isolation gowns, all manufactured in the U.S. To learn more about Shawmut’s N95 respirator click here. As a fourth-generation, family-run global company headquartered in West Bridgewater, Mass., Shawmut employs over 700 employees worldwide in multiple manufacturing plants and commercial offices across North America, Europe and Asia. Shawmut can be found online on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more, visit http://www.shawmutcorporation.com.

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I believe that the wellness industry can do much more when it comes to fostering inclusion and equity; this is a simple but incredibly powerful step

MIAMI (PRWEB)
September 19, 2022

The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), the leading research and educational resource for the $4.4 trillion global wellness industry, is pleased to announce the first two recipients of its Susie Ellis Scholarship for Equity in Wellness. The scholarship fund was introduced at last year’s Global Wellness Summit (GWS), GWI’s sister organization and the most prestigious conference on the business of wellness, as a way to build a bridge for individuals who might otherwise not be able to afford attending the Summit, but who demonstrated passion and commitment for the wellness industry.

This unique scholarship fund was made possible thanks to generous initial donations from Katrine and Bill Formby, Rick Stollmeyer, Lynne and Victor Brick, and the Szekely Family Foundation and continues to grow. Learn more about the fund and how to donate and/or apply for a 2023 scholarship here.

“This scholarship lets us offer those who have perhaps dreamt of attending the Summit an opportunity to participate in conversations with global wellness leaders, exposing them to the topics and issues that are shaping the business of wellness now and into the future,” said Nancy Davis, GWI’s Chief Creative Officer & Executive Director.

Nearly 100 applications from 36 countries were considered and the two well-deserving recipients chosen by both the GWI and GWS board members are: Esther Ajari, founder and director of The TriHealthon, a Nigerian-based multi-award-winning non-profit that promotes health and wellness equity in Africa via research and community development projects; and Demetria McNeal, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Associate Director of Health Equity in the Division of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine at the University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus.

“Both of this year’s very worthy recipients are already wellness leaders in their communities and it’s my sincere hope that this scholarship will accelerate and amplify the impact they are already making in their own communities,” continued Davis. “Both recipients were grateful and excited when they were notified that they would be coming to Tel Aviv.”

Ajari, who was born in rural Nigeria where she says “opportunities to thrive are limited,” has thrived nonetheless. In 2019, her commitment to wellness was recognized by the Dalai Lama Fellowship, an organization for emerging social innovators and future leaders committed to making a positive impact in the world, and, in 2021, she was named a COVID-19 Hero by the Nigerian Vice-Presidency. Ajari looks forward to bringing an African perspective to the Summit, while also learning how to improve her own NGO’s financial standing so she can generate the revenue required to “attain our vision of achieving wellness equity among vulnerable Nigerian women and children.”

McNeal describes herself as a Black American scientist who is thirsty for expanding her wellness knowledge and seeks to learn, among many things, more about the integration of wellness and the healthcare system; explore the new discoveries being made in mental wellness that could be applied in a clinical setting, as well as the ways emerging wellness innovations can be leveraged to promote better access to wellness in her local community.

The scholarship is named for Susie Ellis, GWS Chair & CEO, who has been at the helm of the Summit and its sister non-profit organization, the GWI, since inception. Ellis said, “I believe that the wellness industry can do much more when it comes to fostering inclusion and equity; this is a simple but incredibly powerful step. I thank all the donors who made it possible for us to put our mission statement of ‘Joining Together. Shaping the Future.’ into tangible action; my hope is that next year we will be able to provide a greater number of scholarships.”

This year’s auction, held on the evening of November 2 as part of the GWS Gala, will be dedicated to growing this unique scholarship fund and individuals or companies interested can learn more here.

Registration for the 2022 Summit remains open.

About the Global Wellness Institute: The Global Wellness Institute (GWI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is considered the leading global research and educational resource for the global wellness industry and is known for introducing major industry initiatives and regional events that bring together leaders to chart the future. GWI positively impacts global health and wellness by educating public institutions, businesses and individuals on how they can work to prevent disease, reduce stress and enhance the overall quality of life. Its mission is to empower wellness worldwide.

About the Global Wellness Summit —The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is the premier organization that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $4.4 trillion global wellness economy. Its future-focused conference is held at a different global location each year and has traveled to the United States, Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico, Austria, Italy and Singapore. GWS also hosts other virtual and in-person gatherings, including Wellness Master Classes, Wellness Sector Spotlights, Investor “Reverse Pitch” events and Global Wellness Symposiums. The organization’s annual Global Wellness Trends Report offers expert-based predictions on the future of wellness. The 2022 Summit will be held in Tel Aviv, Israel from October 31 to November 3.

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We are pleased to be able to contribute to the pharmaceutical development research being conducted on these very important molecules. With this registration, we can better support all our clients

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (PRWEB)
September 19, 2022

Improved Pharma is pleased to announce their DEA registration for schedules I – V. The new controlled substance license enhances the wide variety of drug substances and drug products that can now be evaluated during fit-for-purpose polymorph, salt, and co-crystal screens, formulation support and design, abuse deterrent testing, analytical testing, microscopy, and litigation support.

“We are pleased to be able to contribute to the pharmaceutical development research being conducted on these very important molecules. With this registration, we can better support all our clients”, remarked COO Pam Smith.

About Improved Pharma

Improved Pharma is a research, consulting, and information company dedicated to improving pharmaceutical methods, formulations, and processes. Services include solid-state form studies, formulation design, synchrotron techniques, analytical testing, and expert consulting for the development and defense of intellectual property matters. The company was founded in 2006 by Stephen and Sarah Byrn, who also founded SSCI.

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Steven Gay, M.D., is now accepting new patient appointments at SGF Atlanta’s Alpharetta location.

“The joy my colleagues have, their compassion for patients, and their commitment to evidence-based medical advances I saw then and still see every day makes me proud to be part of the SGF team.”

ATLANTA (PRWEB)
September 17, 2022

US Fertility, the largest physician-owned and physician-led, integrated network of top-tier fertility practices in the United States, welcomes Steven Gay, M.D., to Shady Grove Fertility Atlanta’s Alpharetta location. Dr. Gay is now accepting new patient appointments.

“I was fortunate enough to do a component of my fellowship training with SGF while at the National Institutes of Health,” shares Dr. Gay. “The joy my colleagues have, their compassion for patients, and their commitment to evidence-based medical advances I saw then and still see every day makes me proud to be part of the SGF team.”

Dr. Gay will provide comprehensive fertility services, including:

• fertility and ovarian reserve testing and diagnosis,
• semen analysis,
• hysterosalpingogram (HSG),
• low-tech fertility treatment options such as intrauterine insemination (IUI),
• in vitro fertilization (IVF),
• donor egg, sperm, and embryo,
• genetic screening and testing,
• gestational carrier,
• egg freezing,
• fertility preservation for patients with cancer, and
• LGBTQ+ family building.

Dr. Gay is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) and board eligible in reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI). Dr. Gay earned his medical degree at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. He then continued his studies at Emory University for his residency in OB/GYN. From there, Dr. Gay trained in REI at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. During this time, Dr. Gay did a component of his fellowship training with SGF, where he admired the compassionate, evidence-based fertility care provided by his colleagues.

Dr. Gay has been recognized by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) for his excellence in research on in vitro fertilization outcomes following polypectomy. Additional research interests include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and Asherman’s syndrome. Dr. Gay is a member of ASRM and the Society of Reproductive Surgeons.

“By welcoming Dr. Gay to the SGF Atlanta physician team, we expand access to world-class fertility care to patients in the Atlanta area,” shares Desireé McCarthy-Keith, M.D., M.P.H., medical director of SGF Atlanta. “His commitment to driving forward research in reproductive medicine paired with his dedication to patient-centered care exemplifies SGF’s mission to best serve their patients.”

Patients may now schedule a new patient appointment with Dr. Gay by calling 404-419-7141 or by submitting this brief form.

About US Fertility

US Fertility is the nation’s largest partnership of physician-owned and physician-led top-tier fertility practices, offering comprehensive fertility-market-focused non-clinical, administrative, and technical platforms that help domestic and international practices improve patient outcomes and increase patient access. To learn more about partnership- or affiliate-status benefits, call 301-545-1308 or visit USFertility.com.

About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF)

SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with more than 100,000 babies born from 30+ years of continuous innovation and patient-centered fertility care. With 50 locations, including the newest location in Raleigh, North Carolina, as well as throughout CO, FL, GA, MD, NY, PA, TX, VA, D.C., and Santiago, Chile, SGF offers patients in-person and virtual physician consults, delivers individualized care, accepts most insurance plans, and makes treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including 100% refund guarantees. SGF is among the founding partner practices of US Fertility, the largest physician-led partnership of top-tier fertility practices in the U.S. Call 1-888-761-1967 to schedule a new patient appointment or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com for more information.

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